Test shots from the Sony a7 and RX10 are a feast for the eyes

Announced last week, the Sony a7 and a7r got us pretty excited, mainly because of how it managed to cram a full-frame sensor into a compact body.

We got our hands and eyes on these powerful yet compact full-frame cameras, and stopped short of some test shots taken by the interchangeable lens cameras.

Until now. Though these test shots were taken with pre-production units, they give you a rough gauge of the shooting performance of the Sony cameras. Here’s a quick tease at a few images taken with the Sony a7, plus some bonus shots from its prosumer cousin, the Sony RX10.

Sony a7 test shot

Shooters are likely to be attracted by the swift autofocus and crisp edges of the a7. Focus between the background and foreground are well-balanced, creating a perfect bokeh effect that brings more attention to your intended subject. Colours are moderate and do not oversaturate.

Full-frame cameras are usually associated with a hefty build that photographers have grown used to. Based on our initial hands-on with the a7, it is quite a disconnect from the usual build. It might take a while, but we believe most users will come round to the form factor in lieu of the advantages of better wide-angle shots by a full-frame camera.

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Sony RX10 test shot

The Sony RX10’s strength lies in its F2.8 aperture, which remains constant across its 24-200mm (35mm equivalent) focal length. Images captured through the 20.2-megapixel sensor has a consistent brightness level for different zoom levels. Even without sufficient light, the RX10 was able to keep the ISO levels low, minimising the noise level on images and presented a relatively bright photo at the same time.

Bonus for Singaporeans

Full-frame cameras require hefty financial investment. Prices could range from above $2500 up to nearly $10,000 depending on the model and lenses you arm it with.

Surprisingly, the a7 and a7r in Singapore are priced lower than their US and UK counterparts.

In the US, the Sony a7 body costs a tiny fortune at US$1700 ($2101) while UK shutterbugs are hit particularly hard with a ridiculous £1300 ($2610) price tag. Available from 27 November, the Sony a7 (body only) costs $1999, just a dollar shy from breaking the S$2000 barrier.

Shutterbugs who have an unlimited budget can aim for the Sony a7r, priced at $2799 (body only), which is also relatively cheaper than the UK pricing of £1600 that translates to approximately $3207.

Prices for the E-mount lenses that are compatible with the a7 and a7r have not been revealed, though you can get the Sony a7 with a FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6OSS SEL2870 lens for $2399.

Shutterbugs who still need training wheels before they explore advance shooting features will most likely gravitate towards the Sony RX10, priced at $1599. Like the Sony a7 and a7r, the Sony RX10 will be available from 27 November at Sony stores and authorised resellers.